ELLETTSVILLE — After months of discussion, Richland-Bean Blossom school board members decided to eliminate 25 positions Monday in order to close a projected $800,000 deficit in the 2012 budget.

“This has been a real stressful time for all of us,” said Jimmie Durnil, board vice president. “I’m approaching 12 years on the board, and this is probably the most nerve-racking and upsetting time for me.”

The entire first budget cuts proposal — the one Superintendent Steve Kain and board members had previously agreed upon — was approved, as were most of the “alternate” cuts, which board member Dana Kerr had opposed.